Working...!

How do you all cope with working? I am really really struggling at the moment, since my stay in hospital a couple of months ago I have been gradually increasing my hours and am currently at 5 hours a day with a half hour break. (I work in retail and am on my feet most of the time I'm there) But I'm struggling with the increase to 5 hours, especially since being put on Azathioprine and back on the steroids because I become very spaced out and 'not with it', dizzy, headachey and very lethargic. One of my managers today asked me whether I should be working at all at the moment or at least work less hours again, I'm seeing the GP tomorrow so I'll see what she had to say. Only problem is I'm getting a few comments from collegues about how I'm not at work much etc. And also, being from the UK I have been getting sick pay but that has nearly run out so I'm currently only getting paid for the hours I'm working, which currently is about 35% less than my contracted hours.

Hi i work 12hr night shifts and finding it very hard at the moment tapering pred for bad flare now down to 15mg but having all the side effects i work in a nursing home and dont get paid if off sick only stat sick pay which is not much so am glad the people i work with are understanding when i need to rest.

When I was working fulltime, my symptoms were pretty mild. I am thankful for that... It has got to be really hard to function at a fulltime job when you're either running to the toilet, worried about running to the toilet or just feeling generally under the weather.

I hope you are feeling better quickly so you can get back to your regular hours. I have been working on a contract basis lately. It works out a lot better for me.

Diagnosed with mild proctitis in March 2007: Treated with Canasa (as needed)

Hmm its tricky isn't it. My GP this morning said that its completely up to me if I even work or not at the moment and that she is happy to provide me with a sick note for either reduced hours or to sign me off for a couple of weeks while the meds start to take effect. Its just money worries now, do you risk your health but ensure you're getting some money, or do you just completely put health first?!

Personally, I would choose taking time off if possible. Healing is a full time job in itself. I tried working during a serious flare and it was not a good situation - for anybody. Fortunately, I had the flexibility to take a leave from work to focus on recovering - which helped me immensely.

I tend to view the time away from work as an investment in your health, and thus your ability to be a more productive worker in the future. I recognize that not everyone has a choice - but if it is an option then why not take it?

Personally, I would choose taking time off if possible. Healing is a full time job in itself. I tried working during a serious flare and it was not a good situation - for anybody. Fortunately, I had the flexibility to take a leave from work to focus on recovering - which helped me immensely.

I tend to view the time away from work as an investment in your health, and thus your ability to be a more productive worker in the future. I recognize that not everyone has a choice - but if it is an option then why not take it?

Anyway, that's my two pennies. I wish you all the best.

Certainly is a dilemma! Thankyou for your post, makes alot of sense!

However, I have already had 2 months off at the beginning of the year so I don't really want to do that again. I'm thinking maybe concentrating on 2 things - work and rest...if that makes any sense! I'll stop any 'work' outside of my regular job such as babysitting, helping out at a kids club etc and reduce my hours down to 4 a day while I'm on so much medication, see how that goes. That way I've still got a bit of income and I'm not gonna go stir crazy being off work.

You definitely want to cut out all unnecessary activities and extra jobs. The plan to do essential work as needed financially and rest as much as possible the rest of the time is a good one.Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis spring 1999. Have been in remission for years with only a few minor blips.